Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Bihar today where he launched and attended the centenary celebrations of Patna University. The country's seventh oldest university, standing on the banks of the river Ganga, completed 100 glorious years on October 1 and the administration held a simple function to mark the historic occasion. PM Modi will also launch projects worth Rs 5,000 crore including a bridge across the Ganga which costs about 1,200 crores. Soon after the celebrations, PM Modi headed to Mokama, about 96 km from Patna, where he launched about half-a-dozen schemes including projects under the 'Namami Gange' programme. It was also the first time since Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar and return to the NDA, that he will share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar.

Here are the highlights of PM Modi's first visit to Bihar since forming government in the state with Nitish Kumar:

Oct 14, 2017

15:55 (IST)

PM Modi's Speech After The Launch Of Various Projects And Schemes Under 'Namami Gange' ProgrammePM Modi speaks at a programme to lay the foundation stone of projects under the 'Namami Gange' and National Highway projects in Bihar. Here are the highlights of his speech:

Delighted to come to a land closely associated with Dinkar Ji. I thank everyone who has joined the public meeting. I assure you the Centre and Bihar Government will do everything possible for Bihar's growth.

I meet several people from rural India. We are working tirelessly to fulfil their aspirations. And, projects whose foundation stones are being laid will give impetus to Bihar's development.

We are focusing on increased pace as far as road construction is concerned. The projects related to Namami Gange will help preserve the Ganga. The recent Antyodaya expresses flagged off will improve connectivity between Bihar, eastern India and other parts.

PM Narendra Modi's Speech At Patna University For Its Centenary CelebrationsHere are the highlights of PM Modi's speech at Patna University:

I consider it my honour to visit Patna University and be among the students. I bow to this land of Bihar. This university has nurtured students who have contributed greatly to the nation.

In every state, the top levels of the civil services has people who have studied in Patna University. In Delhi, I interact with so many officials, many of whom belong to Bihar.

The commitment of Shri Nitish Kumar towards the progress of Bihar is commendable. We in the Centre attach topmost importance to the development of eastern India.

Bihar is blessed with both 'Gyaan' and 'Ganga.' This land has a legacy that is unique.

Bihar has the capability to be one of the most developed states in India If the people of Bihar decide to put an effort and work towards it.

Bihar has the blessing of goddess Saraswati... it can also get the blessings of goddess Lakshmi if it works towards it... Patna has contributed to knowledge and the civil services for many years. It should now move towards wealth creation and innovation. I am sure this won't be a difficult task for the people of Bihar, who have given us some of India's brightest minds.

Today, we cannot imagine that at least one in the top five posts in India isn't an alumni of this grand institution.

The seed of education was sowed in Patna a century ago... It has created this iconic institution.

Technology is changing the way of life... It is giving a new meaning to the way we live... It is important we embrace it.

Sometimes we are rigid and not open to change, but the key to success in life is to learn, unlearn and then relearn.

We must look at any situation and any circumstance with an open mind... Universities today must work towards helping students have an open mind... Being rigid only hampers growth and slows us down.

A nation seen as a land of snake charmers has distinguished itself in the IT sector. From playing with snakes, but today's children are playing with the mouse (computer)... Times are changing.

Living in an era of globalisation, we need to understand the changing trends across the world and the increased spirit of competitiveness. In that context India has to make its place in the world.

I urge youngsters to think about innovative solutions to the problems faced by people around you. Through what you learnt and the Start up sector there is a lot you can do for society.

Technology should be made available to the poorest of the poor and should be user-friendly. India already ranks fourth among all nations in terms of startups... The time is not far when India will rank number one in the world.

Another area of utmost importance to Bihar, and India at large is skill development.

India is a youthful nation, blessed with youthful aspirations. Our youngsters can do a lot for the nation and the world.

Oct 14, 2017

12:17 (IST)

Soon after the celebrations, PM Modi will head to Mokama, about 96 km from Patna, to launch about half-a-dozen schemes including projects worth 5,000 crores including a bridge across the Ganga under the Namami Gange Programme which costs about 1,200 crores. The four national highway projects for which foundation stones will be laid include four-laning of Aunta-Simariya section of NH-31 and construction of six-lane Ganga Setu. The other three projects are four-laning of Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama section of NH-31, two-lane construction of Maheshkhunt-Saharsa-Purnea section of NH-107 and two-lane construction of Biharsharif-Barbigha-Mokama section of NH-82.

Oct 14, 2017

12:16 (IST)

PM Modi will launch a special centenary souvenir. The management is hopeful that PM's visit will allow them to request for central university status for the Patna University.

Oct 14, 2017

12:11 (IST)

Vice-Chancellor Ras Bihari Prasad Singh had also invited the former finance minister, who graduated from the institution with a degree in political science and also taught here, but Mr Sinha has not indicated whether he will attend. The Vice Chancellor said that even if Mr Sinha attends the function, he may not be seated near the PM whose office and security clear all arrangements including seating plans for the stage.

Oct 14, 2017

12:10 (IST)

But today while welcoming PM Modi to "his Patna University", the former actor tweeted, "...even I got an invitaion, alas very late and with a very short notice...delayed by the 'more loyal than the King's people' involved in the affair. So, though 'Muhabbat Karne waale kam na honge...Teri mehfil mein lekin hum na honge'. However, my best wishes."

Oct 14, 2017

12:09 (IST)

PM Narendra Modi is attending the centenary celebrations of Patna University. The country's seventh oldest university. Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also participate in the celebrations. The university's famous alumni and BJP leaders-turned-critics Shatrughan Sinha and Yashwant Sinha, however, might not attend the event. Lawmaker from Bihar Shatrughan Sinha had told ndtv.com that he had not been invited to attend the celebrations. The actor-turned-politician, who is "very emotionally attached to my alma mater", said, "I'm pained over being denied invitation on such an occasion."

Oct 14, 2017

12:03 (IST)

PM Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will attend Patna University's centenary celebrations following which they will travel to Mokama where the Prime Minister will launch several projects.

Oct 14, 2017

12:02 (IST)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Patna airport for his day-long visit to the state, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed him with a red rose. The two leaders are meeting in Bihar for the first time since JD(U)'s exit from the Mahagathbandhan and return to the NDA fold. Soon after they shook hands, PM Modi expressed his desire to visit the newly opened Bihar Museum, to which Mr Kumar said, "why not". Governor Satya Pal Malik presented him a book in line with directions that no bouquet be presented to the PM during his tours in India.

Oct 14, 2017

12:00 (IST)

Soon after the celebrations, PM Modi will head to Mokama, about 96 km from Patna, to launch about half-a-dozen schemes including projects under the 'Namami Gange' programme. It will also be the first time since Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar and return to the NDA, that he will share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar.

Oct 14, 2017

12:00 (IST)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Bihar today to launch and attend the centenary celebrations of Patna University. The country's seventh oldest university, standing on the banks of the river Ganga, completed 100 glorious years on October 1 and the administration held a simple function to mark the historic occasion. PM Modi will also launch projects worth Rs 5,000 crore including a bridge across the Ganga which costs about 1,200 crores.